Page 62 of The Roommate Remodel

“First off, you’ll be wearing some of my custom jerseys that we’re auctioning off for the event. Alex loved the idea of creating custom Crushers merchandise. Second, you’ll be on skates. There will be no prancing.”

I lift an eyebrow. “Promise?”

“Promise.” She pats my leg for reassurance, and I wish she’d just keep it there. “I don’t want you to be models. I want you to be yourselves. That’s what makes it work. We need to show our fans you’re more than just athletes. Since we’re giving a portion to charity, it’ll show that we’re not in it for the money. Remember the kid in the wheelchair? We’re giving the money to a charity that supports kids like Ethan. You can’t tell me you don’t care about helping him.”

“Of course I care,” I say. “But there are other ways to do it without turning this team into a joke.”

“Who says this is a joke?” Jaz counters. “This is another way to give back to the community. It means the world for kids like Ethan.”

Why does Jaz have to have such a big heart? And how does she so easily twist my arm and get me to agree to her schemes? No other woman could care so much.

I sigh. “Fine. I’ll think about it. But only for Ethan’s sake.”

She crosses her arms. “I need you on board. If I can’t get you to agree. I won’t get the rest of the team on my side tomorrow.”

“Thisis what you’re presenting tomorrow?”

She cuts into a grilled asparagus spear. “It wasn’t supposed to happen for several more weeks, but Alex had a last-minute trip out of town and couldn’t run tomorrow’s meeting. She told me this was my chance to sell the idea to the team. I have to get everyone on board, otherwise...” She freezes mid-bite.

“Otherwise, what?” I ask.

“Nothing. Forget I said anything.”

It’s obvious she’s hiding something. I bump her shoulder playfully. “From the look on your face, there’s something.”

Her eyes drop to her plate as she pushes around her food. “Don’t tell anyone, but the team is in financial trouble. If I say anything more, I could lose my job.”

I put my fork down and stare at her. “With Alex’s money behind this team, we shouldn’t be in financial distress.”

“According to her, we are. She’s looking at all the options.” She clamps her mouth shut, but there’s no way I’m letting this conversation end.

I frown. “You won’t tell me what all the options are?”

“Nope. Just trust me on this.” She takes a bite of her roll. “Can I ask a favor? Can you please get the team to agree to this?”

I shake my head. “Some players won’t be comfortable with the idea.”

“Like you?” She looks at me. “Brax, what do I need to do to get you on board?” She looks at me with her big doe eyes, and I know I’m going to crumble.

I sigh. “What does it involve?”

“Modeling some custom jerseys. Possibly an opening number.”

“You never said I had to dance . . .”

“I’m thinking of putting together a very simple synchronized skating routine on ice. There might be some choreography involved, but I promise to make you look good. Which won’t be hard when you look like Thor’s brother.” Her eyes graze over me before returning to my face. “There’s a reason that all the team social media posts featuring you get a crazy amount of comments.”

She knows I don’t care about social media or people stroking my ego. “Get Vale to do it. We’re basically the same person.”

“Not true. You arenotyour brother.” She gives me such a pointed look that my heart stutters in my chest. “So, how can I get you to agree? I’m willing to compromise.”

I hesitate, picking at my food before blurting out, “Then forgive me for what happened. And give me another chance.” It comes out before I even realize what I’m doing.

She blinks, then shakes her head. “I’m not mad anymore, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

I can see the mask slip over her face. The distance she’s putting between us. Whatever closeness I felt before is now a million miles away. Our little desk date was going so well until now.Why did I have to bring up the past?The thing I promised not to do until I earn back her trust.

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